Microelectronic contactor assembly, structures thereof, and methods of constructing same

ABSTRACT

A plurality of inserts are anchored in holes or recesses in a probe head. Shafts are coupled to the inserts, and adjustable multi-part fasteners are attached to the shafts and to a stiffener. The multi-part fasteners are operated to move the shafts and couple the probe head, the stiffener, and other components of a microelectronic contactor assembly. In some embodiments, the inserts may be anchored in the probe head using an adhesive. In some embodiments, the probe head may comprise more than one major substrate, and the inserts may be anchored in either of the substrates.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.61/153,731, filed Feb. 19, 2009, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Typically, semiconductor chips are tested to verify that they functionappropriately and reliably. This is often done when the semiconductorchips are still in wafer form, that is, before they are diced from thewafer and packaged. This allows the simultaneous testing of manysemiconductor chips in parallel, creating considerable advantages incost and process time compared to testing individual chips once they arepackaged. If chips are found to be defective, they may be discarded whenthe chips are diced from the wafer, and only the reliable chips need bepackaged. Semiconductor chips may also be tested after dicing, butbefore packaging, by assembling die on tape or a mechanical carrier.

Generally, modern microfabricated (termed MEMS) microelectroniccontactor assemblies, including probe card assemblies for testingsemiconductors, have at least three components: a printed circuit board(PCB), a substrate to which thousands of microelectronic contactors arecoupled (which substrate may be referred to as the “probe contactorsubstrate”), and a compressible electrical interconnect (often in theform of an electrical “interposer”). The compressible electricalinterconnect electrically connects the individual electrical contacts ofthe PCB to corresponding electrical contacts on the probe contactorsubstrate, which probe contactor substrate then relays signals to andfrom individual microelectronic contactors. The combination of the probecontactor substrate and its microelectronic contactors is sometimesreferred to as a probe head.

The microelectronic contactors on the probe contactor substrate oftenhave a very fine pitch (i.e., small distances between contactors, suchas 30 μm to 200 μm) while the electrical contacts of the PCB and theinterposer often have coarser pitches (>200 μm). Thus, in modern MEMSprobe card assemblies, the probe contactor substrate often provides aspace transformation of electrical contracts as it connects the finelypitched microelectronic contactors to the coarser pitched electricalcontacts found on the interposer and PCB. Alternately, part or all ofthis space transformation may be off-loaded to a separate spacetransformer substrate of the probe head, or to other substrates orcomponents. It is noted that some probe card assemblies do not utilizean interposer, but the general idea is unchanged.

In most applications, the required number of interconnects that need tobe made between the substrates of a probe card assembly are in thethousands or tens of thousands, dictating that the PCB and the probehead be parallel (or very close to parallel), and in close proximity, sothat the many interconnects therebetween can be reliably made. It isalso noted that the vertical space between the PCB and the probecontactor substrate is generally constrained to only a few millimeters.

So that reliable connections to a wafer or other array of semiconductordevices can also be made, it is also important that the tips of themicroelectronic contactors on the probe head lie essentially in a plane.The background of U.S. Pat. No. 7,180,316, titled “Probe Head withMachined Mounting Pads and Method of Forming Same,” assigned toTouchdown Technologies, Inc. of Baldwin Park, Calif., discusses theimportance of the planarity of the microelectronic contactor tips (orprobe tips).

Reliable connections to the pads on a semiconductor wafer becomeevermore difficult as semiconductor dies and their pads continue toshrink in size and pitch, and as the number of electrical contactsbetween a probe head and a wafer under test increases (e.g., as thesemiconductor test industry enters the era of one touchdown full wafertest). Currently, the bond pads on a wafer can be as small as 30 μmsquare, but are more typically 50 μm square. The contacts to the bondpads must stay well within the boundaries of the bond pads, andpreferably near their centers, as any contact with the peripheries ofthe bond pads can damage the pads and cause yield loss. Because the bondpads are distributed across the entire surface of a wafer (e.g., acrossa 300 mm diameter array), precision alignment of microelectroniccontactors and bond pads is becoming more and more critical. An approachwhich binds all of the microelectronic contactors to a single plane,without any need for mechanical adjustment, would be preferred.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in thedrawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a microelectroniccontactor assembly;

FIG. 3 provides a plan view of a substrate of a first exemplary probehead that may be used with the microelectronic contactor assembly shownin FIGS. 1 & 2;

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary insert that may be anchored in one ofthe holes shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of a microelectroniccontactor assembly, which cross-section shows how the insert andmulti-part fastener shown in FIG. 4 are used to couple all of: thesubstrate shown in FIG. 3, a compressible electrical interconnect, acircuit board, and a stiffener;

FIG. 6 illustrates a fixture that simultaneously holds a plurality ofinserts in their desired positions as they are inserted into a probehead;

FIG. 7 illustrates a probe head insert having a lip that rests on thesurface of a probe head substrate;

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary insert that may be anchored in one ofthe edge recesses shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 9 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of a microelectroniccontactor assembly, which cross-section shows how the insert shown inFIG. 8 is used in combination with a multi-part fastener like the oneshown in FIG. 4 to couple all of: the substrate shown in FIG. 3, acompressible electrical interconnect, a circuit board, and a stiffener.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate other exemplary types of probe head inserts, withFIGS. 10 & 12 illustrating the inserts before they are anchored in asubstrate; and with FIGS. 11 & 13 illustrating the inserts after eachinsert has been anchored in a substrate;

FIG. 14 illustrates an exemplary shaft of a multi-part fastener, whichshaft comprises a blade portion;

FIG. 15 illustrates a plan view of a probe head substrate comprisingonly hole-mounted inserts;

FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of an exemplary probehead substrate, wherein the probe head substrate has a location to whicha surface-mounted threaded receptacle is attached;

FIGS. 17-21 illustrate an exemplary microelectronic contactor assemblyhaving a probe head with more than one major substrate;

FIG. 22 illustrates an exemplary insert anchored in a substrate farthestfrom a stiffener;

FIG. 23 illustrates how a space transformer or probe contactor substratemay be formed by attaching multiple substrate tiles;

FIG. 24 illustrates how a sacrificial material may be used to protectmicroelectronic contactors during a planarization process;

FIG. 25 illustrates an exemplary probe contactor substrate comprisingconductive vias that couple the microelectronic contactors on onesurface of the probe contactor substrate to electrical contacts on theother surface of the probe contactor substrate;

FIG. 26 illustrates an exemplary interposer comprising a siliconeelastomer material in which conductive particles or structures, such asgold particles or structures, are embedded;

FIG. 27 illustrates an exemplary interposer, comprising two siliconeelastomer sheets separated by a rigid spacer substrate;

FIGS. 28-31 illustrate the mounting of various SMT electronic componentsin various types of cavities in a probe contactor substrate;

FIGS. 32-34 illustrate the mounting of various SMT electronic componentsin various locations on a space transformer substrate; and

FIG. 35 illustrates an exemplary probe head cross-section and theexemplary positions of bypass capacitors and isolation resistors onsame.

It is noted that, in the following description, like reference numbersappearing in different drawing figures refer to like elements/features.Often, therefore, like elements/features that appear in differentdrawing figures will not be described in detail with respect to each ofthe drawing figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 & 2 illustrate an embodiment of a microelectronic contactorassembly 100, which in some cases may be configured as a microelectronicwafer contactor assembly or probe card assembly (i.e., an assembly forcontacting semiconductor devices on a wafer). FIG. 1 provides across-section of the assembly 100, and FIG. 2 provides an explodedperspective view of the assembly's principal components (less themulti-part fasteners 110, 112, 114, 116 shown in FIG. 1).

The assembly 100 comprises a probe head 102, a compressible electricalinterconnect 104, a circuit board 106, a stiffener 108 and a pluralityof adjustable multi-part fasteners (e.g., 110, 112, 114 and 116). Thecircuit board 106 is disposed between the probe head 102 and thestiffener 108, and the compressible electrical interconnect 104 isdisposed between the probe head 102 and the circuit board 106.

The probe head 102 has a plurality of microelectronic contactors (e.g.,118 and 120). These contactors 118, 120 are electrically connected tothe circuit board 106, at least in part, by electrical connections thatthe compressible electrical interconnect 104 provides between the probehead 102 and the circuit board 106. The probe head 102 further has aplurality of inserts (e.g., 122, 124, 126 and 128) anchored therein. Asused herein, the term “insert” refers to a device that is anchored inanother device (e.g., a probe head 102) by extending into a hole (e.g.,130, 132, 134 and 136) or recess in the other device.

Each of the adjustable multi-part fasteners 110, 112, 114, 116 has ashaft (e.g., 138, 140, 142 and 144) coupled to one of the plurality ofinserts 122, 124, 126, 128 in the probe head 102, and a differentialscrew mechanism (e.g., 146, 148, 150 and 152) coupled to the stiffener108. In some embodiments, one or more of the inserts 122, 124, 126, 128may take the form of a receptacle, such as a threaded receptacle (or areceptacle having a cam formed on an interior surface thereof). A shaft138 of one of the multi-part fasteners 110 may be removably or fixedlythreaded in (or attached to) each receptacle. In the same or differentembodiments, one or more of the inserts 122, 124, 126, 128 may beintegrally formed, molded or machined with its corresponding shaft 138,140, 142, 144 of the multi-part fastener 110, 112, 114, 116. Or, aninsert may comprise a stud to which a shaft of a multi-part fastenerconnects. Operation of the differential screw mechanisms 146, 148, 150,152 can help provide a desired amount of compression to the compressibleelectrical interconnect 104 by moving the shafts 138, 140, 142, 144 ineither direction along their axes. Alternately, or additionally,operation of the differential screw mechanisms 146, 148, 150, 152 canhelp maintain or adjust i) the planarity of a surface of the probe head102 or ii) the planarity of features (e.g., tips) of the microelectroniccontactors 118, 120.

In use, electrical signals may be transmitted between one or moredevices connected to the microelectronic contactors 118, 120 andequipment connected to the circuit board 106. By way of example, thecircuit board 106 may be provided with electrical contacts or connectors(e.g., 154 and 156) for electrically connecting the circuit board 106 toother equipment. In some embodiments, the device(s) connected to themicroelectronic contactors 118, 120 may be semiconductor devices undertest (DUTs), such as semiconductor chips on a wafer, and the equipmentto which the circuit board 106 is connected may be test equipment suchas automated test equipment (ATE).

Having described some of the components and features of themicroelectronic contactor assembly 100 in general, these components andfeatures will now be described in greater detail, along with variousalternative embodiments of the microelectronic contactor assembly 100;optional components of the microelectronic contactor assembly 100; andmethods of making and assembling same.

FIG. 3 provides a plan view of a substrate 300 of a first exemplaryprobe head 302. The surface 304 of the substrate 300 is bounded by aperiphery 306. The surface 304 has a plurality of holes (e.g., 308 and310), and the periphery 306 has a plurality of edge recesses (e.g., 312and 314). The holes 308, 310 may be blind holes or through-holes and maybe formed, for example, by drilling or routing processes. The edgerecesses 312, 314 may be formed, for example, by any of the processesused to form the holes 308, 310. The holes 308, 310 and edge recesses312, 314 may be formed using the same or different processes.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary insert 400 that may be anchored in oneof the holes 308 shown in FIG. 3. FIG. 4 also illustrates exemplarycomponents of a multi-part fastener 402 having a shaft 404 that may becoupled to the insert 400. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of aportion of a microelectronic contactor assembly 500, which cross-sectionshows how the insert 400 and multi-part fastener 402 are used to coupleall of: the substrate 300 of the probe head 302, a compressibleelectrical interconnect 502, a circuit board 504, and a stiffener 506.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the insert 400 is shown to be a threadedreceptacle. The insert 400 may be formed from Kovar or other materials,and is preferably formed of a material that has a coefficient of thermalexpansion (CTE) that is close to (or matched to) the CTE of thesubstrate in which it is anchored. The shaft 404 has threads 406, 408 ateach end. An optional collar 410 may limit the extent to which the shaft404 can be screwed into the insert 400. An axially aligned hexagonalopening 412 or other feature may be provided on the shaft 404 tofacilitate screwing the shaft 404 into the insert 400. The differentialscrew mechanism 414 comprises a bushing 416 having a threaded interior.The differential shaft 418 has exterior threads that allow thedifferential shaft 418 to be screwed into the bushing 416, and interiorthreads that allow the shaft 404 to be screwed into the differentialshaft 418. The multi-part fastener 402 or differential screw mechanism414 may further comprise a lock mechanism 420, such as a lock ring. Thelock mechanism 420 can be used to prevent unintentional operation of thedifferential screw mechanism 414. By way of example, the components ofthe multi-part fastener 402 may be formed of one or more metals. In someembodiments, the shaft 404, bushing 416 and lock ring 420 may be formedof stainless steel, and the differential shaft 418 may be formed ofbrass.

FIG. 5 illustrates the insert 400 after it is anchored in the hole 308in the surface 304 of the substrate 300. In some embodiments, the hole308 may be formed somewhat larger than the width and height of theinsert 400 so that the insert 400 may be precisely positioned in x, y, zand theta with respect to the probe head 302. After the insert 400 ispositioned, it may be anchored in the substrate 300 using adhesive, suchas an epoxy-based adhesive. Alternately, the insert may be anchored, forexample, by means of soldering or brazing. The somewhat larger heightand width of the hole 308 with respect to the insert 400 allows theinsert 400 to be insulated from the substrate 300. Insulation can beespecially useful when the substrate 300 contains conductive layers orelectrical interconnects that might otherwise be contacted, shorted orinfluenced by a conductive insert 400. The somewhat larger diameter ofthe hole 308 can also provide other advantages, such as an ability toanchor the insert 400 in the substrate 300 more securely, or an abilityto anchor the insert 400 using a material that bridges a CTE mismatchbetween the insert 400 and substrate 300. Alternatively, the hole 308 inwhich the insert 400 is anchored may have dimensions that are the same,or about the same, as the outer dimensions of the insert 400. In such anembodiment, the exterior of the insert 400 may in some cases be providedwith threads or other features that are capable of engaging or cuttinginto the substrate 300.

FIG. 5 also illustrates how the components of the multi-part fastener402 are coupled with each other and with the insert 400. The bushing 416may be press-fit into the stiffener 506. Alternately, the bushing 416may be anchored in the stiffener 506 in other ways (e.g. by means ofadhesive, solder or brazing). The differential screw mechanism 414 maybe operated by a person, by a person using a hand tool, or by a machine(e.g., by a computer). While operating the differential screw mechanism414, one or more of the following, or other parameters, may be monitoredfor a desired outcome: a compression of the compressible electricalinterconnect 502 about the multi-part fastener 402; the planarity of asurface of the probe head 302; or the planarity of features (e.g., tips)of microelectronic contactors on the probe head 302. Upon a desiredoutcome being achieved, operation of the differential screw mechanism414 may cease, and the lock mechanism 420 may be tightened to preventunintentional operation of the differential screw mechanism 414. Asshown, exterior threads of the lock mechanism 420 may engagecorresponding threads in the stiffener 506.

Threaded receptacles or other inserts 400 may be anchored in each of aplurality of holes 308, 310 in a probe head 302. For example, inserts400 may be anchored in each of the holes 308, 310 shown in FIG. 3. Toensure that each of a plurality of inserts is oriented in the samemanner, and/or to ensure that features of the plurality of inserts areplanar, a plurality of inserts 122, 124, 126, 128 may be simultaneouslypositioned in a plurality of holes 130, 132, 134, 136 using a fixture600, 602 (FIG. 6) that simultaneously holds the plurality of inserts122, 124, 126, 128 in their desired positions with respect to a probehead 102 or substrate thereof. In one embodiment, the fixture 600 maycomprise a stiffener 108 of a microelectronic contactor assembly (orsimilar structure) which has a plurality of differential screwmechanisms 146, 148, 150, 152 coupled thereto. If each of a plurality ofshafts 138, 140, 142, 144 coupled to the differential screw mechanisms146, 148, 150, 152 is provided with a collar or other sort of mechanicalstop, similarly to the collar 410 of the shaft 404 shown in FIG. 4, andif each of the differential screw mechanisms 146, 148, 150, 152 isoperated to planarize the collars 410, then a plurality of inserts 122,124, 126, 128 may be attached to the shafts 138, 140, 142, 144 inabutment to the mechanical stops on the shafts; and the plurality ofinserts may be simultaneously positioned in respective holes 130, 132,134, 136 in a probe head 102. The fixture 600 may be attached to amanual or automated machine that maintains the plurality of inserts 122,124, 126, 128 planar to a surface or feature(s) of the probe head 302 asthe inserts 122, 124, 126, 128 are positioned in the holes 130, 132,134, 136. If an adhesive is used to anchor the inserts 122, 124, 126,128 in the holes 130, 132, 134, 136, the adhesive may be applied to eachinsert 122, 124, 126, 128 and/or each hole 130, 132, 134, 136, prior tothe machine positioning the inserts 122, 124, 126, 128 in the holes 130,132, 134, 136. Alternately, a plurality of inserts may be anchored by aprocess performed after the inserts are positioned in theirholes—especially if the holes are through-holes and the inserts can beaccessed from a side of the probe head 102 (or substrate thereof)opposite the shafts 138, 140, 142, 144. After anchoring the inserts 122,124, 126, 128 in their respective holes 130, 132, 134, 136, thedifferential screw mechanisms 146, 148, 150, 152 may be operated torelease the shafts 138, 140, 142, 144, and the shafts 138, 140, 142, 144may then be removed from the inserts 122, 124, 126, 128.

An insert 400 may be anchored in a hole 308 such that a surface of theinsert is flush with a surface of the substrate 300 in which the hole308 is formed (see, e.g., FIG. 5). A flush mounting can in some casesreduce the overall thickness of a microelectronic contactor assembly500. Alternately, an insert 700 may be provided with a lip 702 or otherfeature that rests on the surface 704 of a substrate 706. See, forexample, the lip 702 of the insert 700 shown in FIG. 7.

Regardless of whether a plurality of inserts have lips or features thatrest on a surface of a substrate, and especially if the inserts do nothave such lips or features, the inserts may be planarized by lappingtheir surfaces. If surfaces of the inserts are to be flush with thesurface of the substrate in which they are anchored, the lapping maycomprise simultaneously lapping the surfaces of the inserts and thesurface of the substrate, as well as any adhesive or other substancethat extends from the surface of the substrate. By way of example, thislapping may be performed using a diamond flycutting process.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary insert 800 that may be anchored in oneof the edge recesses 312 shown in FIG. 3; and FIG. 9 illustrates across-section of a portion of a microelectronic contactor assembly 500,which cross-section shows how the insert 800, in combination with amulti-part fastener 402 like the one shown in FIG. 4, is used to coupleall of: a substrate 300 of a probe head 302, a compressible electricalinterconnect 502, a circuit board 504, and a stiffener 506.

Referring now to FIG. 8, the insert 800 is shown to be a clamp havingfirst and second jaw members 802, 804 secured by a pair of screws 806,808. Alternately, the jaw members 802, 804 could be secured by othermeans, or could be integrally formed. The jaw members 802, 804 couldalso be biased toward one another by a spring (not shown). The jawmembers 802, 804 have respective surfaces 810, 812 for contacting (e.g.,gripping) respective surfaces of the substrate 300 shown in FIGS. 3 & 9,and at least one of the jaw members 802 has a body portion 814 forinsertion into a respective edge recess 312 (see FIG. 9) of thesubstrate 300. Attached to one of the jaw members 804 is a threadedreceptacle 816. The jaw members 802, 804 and threaded receptacle 816 maybe formed from Kovar or other materials, and are preferably formed of amaterial that has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) that is closeto (or matched to) the CTE of the substrate to which they are anchored.A shaft 818 having threads 820, 822 at each end, similar to the shaft404 described with respect to FIG. 4, can be threaded into the threadedreceptacle 816 of the insert 800.

FIG. 9 illustrates the insert 800 after it is anchored in an edge recess312 of the substrate 300 of the probe head 302. In some cases, theinsert 800 may be anchored in the substrate 300 using both a clampingforce and a substance such as adhesive or solder. The jaw members 802,804 of the clamp may rest on respective outer surfaces of the substrate300. Or, in some cases, one or both of the jaw members 802, 804 may restin a respective surface recess formed in the substrate 300. However,this requires thinning the substrate 300, and in some cases may make thesubstrate 300 too prone to breaking.

FIG. 9 also illustrates how the components of the multi-part fastener402, including shalt 818 are coupled with each other and with the insert800. These couplings are similar to the couplings described with respectto FIG. 5, and their descriptions are not repeated. Note, however, thatthe shaft 818 may be shorter than the shaft 404 (FIG. 5), because thejaw member 804 and threaded receptacle 816 sit on the surface 304 of thesubstrate 300.

FIGS. 10-13 illustrate other exemplary types of inserts 1000, 1200. Theinserts 1000, 1200 are particularly adapted to be anchored in holes1002, 1202, and particularly through-holes. However, because the inserts1000, 1200 grip a probe head substrate 1004, 1204 therebetween, theinserts 1000, 1200, or variants thereof, may also be anchored in edgerecesses of the substrate. FIGS. 10 & 12 illustrate the inserts 1000,1200 before each insert 1000, 1200 is anchored in a substrate 1004,1204; and FIGS. 11 & 13 illustrate the inserts 1000, 1200 after eachinsert 1000, 1200 has been anchored in a substrate 1004, 1204.

The insert 1000 (FIGS. 10 & 11) comprises a plug 1006 having a taperedexterior surface 1008 and a threaded bore 1010. The taper of the plug'sexterior is configured to bear against a similarly tapered wall 1012 ofa through-hole 1002 in the probe head substrate 1004. To retain thetapered plug 1006 in the through-hole 1002, a lock nut 1014 or othermechanical fastener may be screwed onto a threaded neck 1016 of thetapered plug 1006—opposite the side 1018 of the substrate 1004 throughwhich the tapered plug 1006 was inserted. A fastener such as a nut orring could also be attached to the plug 1006 by soldering, brazing orother means. In some cases, a recess 1020 may be provided in the surface1022 of the substrate 1004, thereby allowing the lock nut 1014 to dropbelow the surface 1022 of the substrate 1004 when tightened. In othercases, the recess 1020 need not be provided, and the lock nut 1014 maybear against an outermost surface 1022 of the substrate 1004. A shaft1024 of a multi-part fastener, similar to the shaft 404 shown in FIG. 4,may be screwed into the threaded bore 1010 of the insert 1000.Alternately, the shaft 1024 may take other forms, or may be integrallyformed with the insert 1000.

The insert 1200 (FIGS. 12 & 13) comprises a plug 1206 having a threadedstud 1208 with a plate 1210 attached perpendicularly thereto. The plate1210 is configured to bear against a surface 1212 of the substrate 1204.The surface 1212 which the plate 1210 bears against may be recessedwithin the substrate 1204, as shown, or may be an outermost surface 1214of the substrate 1204. To retain the plug 1206 in the through-hole 1202,a lock nut 1216 or other mechanical fastener may be screwed onto thethreaded stud 1208—opposite the side 1214 of the substrate 1204 throughwhich the threaded stud 1208 was inserted. A fastener such as a nut orring could also be attached to the plug 1006 by soldering, brazing orother means. In some cases, a recess 1218 may be provided in the surface1220 of the substrate 1204, thereby allowing the lock nut 1216 to dropbelow the surface 1220 of the substrate 1204 when tightened. In othercases, the recess 1218 need not be provided, and the lock nut 1216 maybear against the outermost surface 1220 of the substrate 1204. A shaftof a multi-part fastener, such as a shaft 1222 having a threaded bore1224, may be screwed onto the threaded stud 1208 of the insert 1200.

The inserts 900, 1000, 1200 shown in FIGS. 9-13 can be advantageous, insome applications, in that they do not require the use of an adhesive,solder, brazing or other chemical processing step to anchor the inserts900, 1000, 1200 in a substrate. It is contemplated, however, that achemical processing step may be used to additionally anchor the inserts900, 1000, 1200, if desired.

It is noted that the above-described inserts are exemplary only. Inother embodiments, the exterior or interior surfaces of the inserts mayhave other profiles or configurations. The inserts may also comprisebores or studs to which the shaft of a multi-part fastener may beconnected. Furthermore, and in some embodiments, the shafts of themulti-part fasteners may be integrally formed with the inserts.

The differential screw mechanism 414 shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8 & 9 isexemplary only and can be replaced with other forms of differentialscrew mechanism.

The shafts 404, 818, 1204 and 1222, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 & 8-13 arealso exemplary and can be replaced with other types of shafts. Forexample, part of a shaft may be thinned in one or more dimensions, toallow limited deflection of the shaft in one or more directions. See,for example, the shaft 1400 shown in FIG. 14, which shaft 1400 comprisesa blade portion 1402. Alternately, part of the shaft may comprise anembedded spring (e.g., a helical portion) or be formed of one or morecables. The shaft may also have various cross-sections, such as across-section that is round, square, rectangular or hexagonal. Shaftconfigurations that allow for lateral deflection can be useful incompensating for slight misalignments of components, or in compensatingfor movements caused by thermal expansion and contraction of variouscomponents. Typically, a shaft configuration that allows for somemovement perpendicular to its axis, but little or no movement along itsaxis, is preferred. In this manner, the planarity and compression of amicroelectronic contactor assembly can be maintained.

Although the exemplary probe head substrate 300 has a first plurality ofinserts 400 anchored in holes 308, 310 and a second plurality of inserts800 anchored in edge recesses 312, 314, some probe head substrates maycomprise only hole-mounted inserts. A plan view of the hole pattern ofan exemplary one of such substrates 1500 is shown in FIG. 15. Otherprobe head substrates may lack edge recesses, but may otherwise haveclamps (such as the clamp shown in FIG. 8) clamped to the periphery ofthe substrate.

Still other probe head substrates may be provided with a combination ofone or more inserts and one or more surface-mounted structures, such assurface-mounted receptacles to which shafts of multi-part fasteners maybe coupled, or surface-mounted shafts to which differential screwmechanisms or other multi-part fasteners may be coupled. For example,FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-section of a portion of a probe headsubstrate 1600, wherein the probe head substrate 1600 has a location towhich a surface-mounted threaded receptacle 1602 is attached. Thesurface-mounted threaded receptacle 1602 may be attached to the probehead substrate 1600 by, for example, an adhesive, solder or brazing. Ashaft of a multi-part fastener may then be coupled to thesurface-mounted threaded receptacle 1602.

Depending on the particular form of a microelectronic contactorassembly, advantages of inserts over surface-mounted structures mayinclude: reduction in the height of the assembly; a greater anchoringarea; improved lateral stability; lift-off mitigation; and an ability toproperly position and orient the inserts in a somewhat larger hole orrecess.

The number of fastener components that are inserted into a spacetransformer can vary, as can their locations. In some embodiments, acircular probe head substrate like that shown in FIG. 3, having a 330 mmdiameter, may be provided with a combination of twelve hole-mountedinserts and eight edge-mounted inserts, with each insert having aninterior diameter (and each shaft having an exterior diameter) of 2-5millimeters. However, other numbers, types and sizes of inserts and/orsurface-mounted structures may be employed.

Up to this point, only one substrate of a probe head has been discussed.In some embodiments of a microelectronic contactor assembly, a probehead may comprise only a single substrate (or only a single majorsubstrate). In these embodiments, the probe head substrate may be amulti-layer substrate, such as a multi-layer ceramic (MLC) substrate.The multi-layer substrate may have a plurality of microelectroniccontactors on a first surface, and a plurality of electrical contacts ona second surface, wherein the second surface is opposite the firstsurface. Electrical connections formed in and through the layers mayelectrically connect some or all of the microelectronic contactors onthe first surface to the electrical contacts on the second surface. Insome cases, the microelectronic contactors on the first surface may havea different layout or pitch as compared to the layout or pitch of theelectrical contacts on the second surface. In these cases, themulti-layer substrate may be referred to as a space transformersubstrate. Typically, the microelectronic contactors on the firstsurface of the multi-layer substrate will be concentrated more densely(or in denser groups) than the electrical contacts on the second surfaceof the multi-layer substrate. In this manner, the microelectroniccontactors can contact a dense arrangement (or multiple densearrangements) of contacts on one or more DUTs (e.g., DUTs on asemiconductor wafer). The less dense arrangement of electrical contactson the second surface of the multi-layer substrate enables thesecontacts to be contacted by larger and less-expensive contactorsprovided by a compressible electrical interconnect.

It is noted that a probe head having only a single major substrate neednot employ an MLC substrate. For example, in some embodiments, a probehead having only a single major substrate may have employ a single layerceramic, metallic or other rigid substrate on which layers of thin-filmor thick-film dielectrics and conductors are deposited to provide spacetransformation of electrical contacts.

FIGS. 17-22 illustrate a microelectronic contactor assembly 1700 havinga probe head 1702 with more than one major substrate—and by way ofexample, a probe head 1702 having a space transformer substrate 1704 anda probe contactor substrate 1706. The microelectronic contactor assembly1700 also comprises a compressible interconnect 1708, a circuit board1710, and a stiffener 1712. As best seen in the cross-section of theprobe head 1702 shown in FIG. 21, the space transformer substrate 1704has a first surface 2100 opposite a second surface 2102 and a spacetransforming electrical interconnect 2104 therebetween. The spacetransforming electrical interconnect 2104 includes electrical contacts2106, 2108 on both the first surface 2100 and the second surface 2102 ofthe space transformer substrate 1704. The electrical contacts 2106 onthe first surface 2100 of the space transformer substrate 1704electrically connect to the compressible electrical interconnect 1708(FIG. 17). The probe contactor substrate 1706 also has a first surface2110 opposite a second surface 2112. The probe contactor substrate 1706is coupled to the space transformer substrate 1704, with the firstsurface 2110 of the probe contactor substrate 1706 facing the secondsurface 2102 of the space transformer substrate 1704. A plurality ofmicroelectronic contactors 2114 are i) coupled to the second surface2112 of the probe contactor substrate 1706 (e.g., via electricalcontacts/terminals 2116 coupled to the microelectronic contactors 2114),and ii) electrically connected to the electrical contacts/bond pads 2108on the second surface 2102 of the space transformer substrate 1704(e.g., by bond wires 2118 attached to the terminals 2116 and bond pads2108, which bond wires 2118 pass through a cavity or slot 2120 in theprobe contactor substrate 1706). Various structures and methods forattaching a probe contactor substrate 1706 to a space transformersubstrate 1704 are disclosed in United States Patent ApplicationPublication US 2009/0237099 A1 (the '099 publication) entitled “ProbeCard Substrate with Bonded Via”, assigned to Touchdown Technologies,Inc. and hereby incorporated by reference for all that it discloses. Byway of example, the probe contactor substrate 1706 may be coupled to thespace transformer substrate 1704 using adhesive elements 2222, 2224,2226.

In embodiments of a microelectronic contactor assembly having a probehead 1702 with more than one major substrate, inserts 2228 may beanchored in the substrate that is nearest the stiffener (e.g., in thespace transformer substrate 1704), as shown in FIG. 22. One advantage toanchoring inserts 2228 in the space transformer substrate 1704 is thatthe inserts 2228 can extend into or through the space transformersubstrate 1704 without interfering with microelectronic contactorplacement on the probe contactor substrate 1706. For example, see FIG.21, where an insert 2128 extends all the way through the spacetransformer substrate 1704, but a microelectronic contactor 2114 ispositioned over (or overlaps) the insert 2128. In fact, even if aninsert were to extend all the way through the space transformersubstrate 1704, it would not interfere with the placement ofmicroelectronic contactors 2114 on the probe contactor substrate 1706.In some cases, a plurality of microelectronic contactors may overlap aninsert. Alternately, and as shown in FIG. 22, inserts 2200 may beanchored in the substrate that is furthest from the stiffener (e.g., theprobe contactor substrate 1706), and access holes 2302 may be providedin the substrate that is nearest the stiffener (e.g., in the spacetransformer substrate 1704) so that multi-part fasteners coupled to thestiffener may be coupled to the more distant substrate. The multi-partfasteners may alternatively be attached to surface-mounted structures onthe distant substrate (e.g., the probe contactor substrate 1812). Theinserts or surface-mounted structures may be configured similarly to anyof the inserts or surface-mounted structures that may be anchored in ormounted to the substrate nearest the stiffener; and in variousembodiments, the inserts 2200 or surface-mounted structures may receiveshafts 2204.

Various configurations of the microelectronic contactor assemblycomponents shown in FIGS. 17-22 will now be discussed, as well asexemplary methods of making some of the components.

The '099 publication describes various exemplary methods of making (andstructures used in) a probe head 1702 (FIG. 17) haying a probe contactorsubstrate 1706 and a space transformer substrate 1704. Because of theunique way in which the probe head 1702 (alternately referred to as aprobe card assembly) is fashioned, the probe contactor substrate 1706 isnot limited to materials generally used as probe contactor substrates,namely a Low Temperature Co-fired Ceramic (LTCC) or a High TemperatureCo-Fired Ceramic (HTCC), ceramics with vias, or multi-layer High DensityInterconnect (HDI) substrates. Because the probe contactor substrate1706 does not require electrical vias, the substrate 1706 may be anysuitable material. In some embodiments, the probe contactor substrate1706 may be an alumina ceramic substrate. When used to testsemiconductors, the probe contactor substrate should generally exhibitqualities such as: good thermal expansion matching that of silicon(because the device under test is usually silicon), good surface quality(low pitting, excellent planarity and surface roughness), goodelectrical properties for high frequency signal transmission throughconductors built on its surface (implies the need for a low-lossdielectric substrate material), good mechanical strength andprocessability (ability to form holes or slots conveniently and to buildwiring traces on the surface). Alumina ceramic (95%-99% alumina) is onesuch material, as it meets the above criteria, is inexpensive, and isreadily available. However, other ceramic materials (such as aluminanitride, silicon nitride or alumina silicon nitride) may also be used,as well as glass, dielectric coated metal (for example anodized aluminumand paryline coated materials), silicon (such as an oxidized ordielectric coated silicon wafer), KAPTON® (Polyimide) flex material, orPrinted Circuit Board (PCB) material.

Upon the probe contactor substrate 1706, a plurality of microelectroniccontactors 2114 (typically MEMS structures) are built. See, e.g., FIG.21. These MEMS structures may be built to withstand the stresses andenvironment of testing semiconductors, and in many embodiments may belithographically formed on the probe contactor substrate 1706. In someembodiments, these structures may be torsional spring contactors, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,771,084 entitled “Single-Sided CompliantProbe Apparatus”, 7,264,984 entitled “Process for Forming MEMS”,7,271,022 entitled “Process for Forming Microstructures”, 7,362,119entitled “Torsion Spring Probe Contactor Design, 7,245,135 entitled“Post and Tip Design for a Probe Contact”, and 7,589,542 entitled“Hybrid Probe for Testing Semiconductor Devices”, all of which areassigned to Touchdown Technologies, Inc., and the disclosures of whichare hereby incorporated by reference. The microelectronic contactors mayalso be of the cantilever type contactor, such as those produced by FormFactor, Inc. and others. The contactors may also be inflexible typecontactors (for example, see U.S. Pat. No. 6,891,360 assigned to IBM andentitled “Plated Probe Structure”), which are often used in testingbumped wafers. The contactors may be assembled to the probe contactorsubstrate, or they may be built directly on the probe contactorsubstrate, as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,264,984 and7,271,022.

When contactors 2114 are built directly on the probe contactor substrate1706, in accordance with the above mentioned patents, they are oftenbuilt using processes which involve sacrificial metal and removablephotoresist. The base of a microelectronic contactor 2114 is usuallyconnected via a metal trace 2130 to a terminal 2116 on the probecontactor substrate 1706, as can be seen in FIG. 21. This allows for thetips of the microelectronic contactors to have a finer pitch, whileallowing the elements to which the probe contactors are electricallyconnected to have a larger pitch. It also provides an electrical path tovias or substrate terminals. Any technique commonly known in the art maybe used to form the trace 2130 and the terminal 2116, includingthick-film printing, thin-film deposition, etching, and plating. If theprobe contactor substrate 1706 is polyimide flex (or some other flex,such as Liquid Crystal Polymer) or PCB material, then the techniquescommonly used in relevant printed wiring board manufacturing may beemployed, including so-called “additive” processes where traces andterminals are electroplated up on a thin laminated metal seed layer, and“subtractive” processes where a laminated metal layer is etched toproduce the trace and terminal.

In some embodiments, the microelectronic contactors 2114 may beassembled to or built on a probe contactor substrate 1706 that issomewhat larger than its final size. For example, the microelectroniccontactors 2114 could be assembled to or built on a probe contactorsubstrate 1706 having a 350 mm diameter, and the probe contactorsubstrate 1706 could then be cut down to a 330 mm diameter after themicroelectronic contactors 2114 are assembled or built thereon.

As also described in the '099 publication, a space transformer substratemay be formed by attaching multiple space transformer substrates (ortiles) to a single probe contactor substrate, or vice-versa, to meet thecomplex size and planarity requirements of advanced probe heads. Inthese embodiments, the tiles of one substrate may be individuallyattached to the other substrate, and MEMS or other structures may beformed on the individual tiles before or after they are joined to theother substrate. Alternately, the tiles may be joined to form a singlespace transformer substrate (or single probe contactor substrate) priorto the formation or completion of MEMS or other structures on the singlelarger substrate. See, for example, FIG. 23 at step 2300. Here, aplurality of LTCC tiles (four tiles 2308, 2310, 2312, 2314) areselected, lapped flat, and their bond-edges 2316, 2318, 2320, 2322,2324, 2326, 2328, 2330 are precision-diced. In step 2302, the tiles2308-2314 are joined using, for example, an epoxy-based adhesive. Afixture may be used to hold the tiles 2308-2314 in position as theadhesive cures. At step 2304, the joined tiles 2308-2314 may be cut toan approximate shape and size (e.g., a circular or other shape) andlapped flat once again. A larger and somewhat thicker substrate ofjoined tiles can be easier to handle and process. Also at step 2304, aplurality of features may be formed or completed on one or both surfacesof the joined tiles 2308-2314. The features that may be formed orcompleted in parallel, to provide good registration and orientation ofthe features. For example, in the case of a space transformer substrate1704, the features may comprise electrical contacts 2106, 2108 (FIG.21). In the case of a probe contactor substrate 1706, the features maycomprise a plurality of microelectronic contactors 2114. By formingmicroelectronic contactors 2114 in parallel, across joined tiles2308-2312, better alignment of the contactors 2114 can typically beachieved as compared to i) attaching individual ones or groups ofcontactors to the substrate, or ii) attaching contactors to, or buildingcontactors on, individual ones of the tiles before the tiles are joined.In some cases, the microelectronic contactors may be formed usinglithographic processes, as described, for example, in theafore-mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,771,084; 7,264,984; 7,271,022;7,362,119; and 7,245,135.

In some embodiments of a probe contactor substrate 1706, after themicroelectronic contactors 2114, 2406 are formed on the probe contactorsubstrate 1706, the backside 2400 of the probe contactor substrate 1706is machined and planarized to its desired thickness. For example, in thecase of a probe contactor substrate 1706 which is made from alumina, thesurface 2400 of the substrate 1706 may be machined and planarized to athickness of 6 mils-80 mils (approximately 0.15 mm-2.0 mm). To protectthe microelectronic contactors 2114, 2406 during this planarizationprocess, a sacrificial material 2402, such as copper, may be depositedaround the microelectronic contactors 2114, 2406 prior to planarization.See, FIG. 21. The same (or different) sacrificial material may be usedto protect the microelectronic contactors 2114, 2406 as their tips 2404,2408 are planarized. The planarization of both the backside 2400 of theprobe contactor substrate 1706, as well as the microelectronic contactortips 2404, 2408, helps to provide optimal planarity of the probecontactor substrate 1706 and microelectronic contactors 2114, 2406. If aprobe contactor substrate 1706 is to be formed of joined tiles 2308-2312(FIG. 23), the deposition of sacrificial material 2402 and planarizationprocesses described in this paragraph may all be performed on a probecontactor substrate 1706 formed after the tiles 2308-2312 have beenjoined. After planarization, the sacrificial material 2402 may beremoved.

A plurality of cavities or slots 2120 may be formed in a probe contactorsubstrate 1706, before or after microelectronic contactors 2114 areassembled to or built on the probe contactor substrate 1706. See, e.g.FIG. 21. The '099 publication describes exemplary ways to do this. Theslots 2120 allow the microelectronic contactors 2114 on the probecontactor substrate 1706 to be coupled to electrical contacts/bond pads2108 on a surface 2102 of the space transformer substrate 1704.

In some cases, the probe contactor substrate 1706 may be cut to adesired shape and size after attaching or building the microelectroniccontactors 2114 thereon. This helps to ensure good registration of thecontactors with the periphery of the probe contactor substrate 1706. Byway of example, the substrate may be cut to a final shape and size usinga water jet cutting process 2404, 2408. The final cut may be made beforeor after the planarization of a probe contactor substrate andmicroelectronic contactor tips. See FIG. 23 at step 2306, and FIG. 24.

Of note, in many cases, the method steps described above may beperformed in different orders or not at all.

The construction of an exemplary space transformer substrate 1704 (FIG.17) will now be described. The space transformer substrate 1704 may be aprinted wiring board or an interconnect substrate. The space transformersubstrate 1704 may also be a ceramic wiring board such as an LTCC orHTCC board, or any multi-layer ceramic, including one whose CTE isappropriately matched to account for thermal expansion mismatch to asilicon wafer under test. Other options include organic wiringsubstrates, PCB substrates, flex substrates, etc. The space transformersubstrate material is typically selected primarily for multi-layerwiring capability, cost, and manufacturability, without undue regard tosurface finish, surface integrity or compatibility with MEMS processes.Such a material is DuPont 951, Dupont 943, or LTCC tape. Forming thespace transformer substrate 1704 often involves the production ofmulti-layer circuits from ceramic substrate tapes or sheets. Via holesare punched in the substrates, the via holes are filled with conductivepaste, and conductive, dielectric, and resistive pastes are optionallyapplied in wiring patterns on the surface of each sheet or tape asneeded, and then the sheets are laminated-together and fired (often in aprecisely controlled oven or kiln) in one step. The resulting product isa monolithic space transformer or multi-layer wiring board structure. Atypical LTCC space transformer substrate consists of multiple dielectriclayers; screen-printed or photo-imaged low-loss conductors; embeddedinductors, resistors and capacitors; and vias for interconnecting themultiple layers. A multi-layer wiring board (which an LTCC spacetransformer is), may also have impedance control and crosstalk shieldingmeasures such as strip lines and coplanar waveguides. Additionally,multiple layers may form a wiring network within the substrateconnecting one bond pad to another bond pad (or multiple bond pads). Thespace transformer substrate 1704 may also include ground planes andpower planes as is known in the art. Electronic components such ascapacitors, active switches or integrated circuits may be attached oneither surface of the space transformer substrate 1704 or in pocketsformed in the space transformer substrate 1704. Alternately, electroniccomponents may be positioned as shown in FIGS. 32-35, which will bedescribed later in this description. Each layer of a space transformersubstrate 1704 can be inspected before lamination and firing to allowopportunity to replace damaged circuits and improve yield. Since theceramic materials used in LTCC designs are inherently very temperaturestable, the need to compensate for variations in temperature is greatlyreduced.

In some embodiments, the space transformation of electrical contactsprovided by the space transformer substrate 1704 may be provided inwhole or in part by layers of thin-film or thick-film conductors anddielectrics deposited on one or both surfaces of a structural supportsubstrate (e.g., a ceramic or metallic substrate). With this kind ofspace transformer substrate, the structural support substrate need notprovide space transformation itself, but may instead simply have aplurality of conductive vias formed therein. Of note, layers ofthin-film or thick-film conductors and dielectrics can also be depositedon one or both surfaces of a probe contactor substrate, and in somecases may be used to provide a space transformation of electricalcontacts.

As shown in FIG. 21, the surface 2102 of the space transformer substrate1704 may include bond pads 2108. The bond pad 2108 may be formeddirectly on an electrical via that conducts the electrical signalthrough the space transformer substrate 1704. Alternatively, the bondpad 2108 may be formed over the space transformer's surface 2102 andconnected to the via by a metal trace (not shown). The bond pads 2108are located on the space transformer substrate 1704 in positions thatalign to the slots 3120 formed in the probe contactor substrate 1706.The bond pads 2120 are preferably wire bondable pads, each comprising agold thick film material or electroplated gold. Other options includealuminum or any other conductive bondable bond pad suitable for wirebonding or conductive adhesive bonding.

In some embodiments, the space transformer substrate 1704 may be formedof multiple joined substrates (i.e., joined tiles 2308-2312), asdescribed with respect to FIG. 23. Each of the tiles 2308-2312 can be amulti-layer tile. Electrical contacts (bond pads, etc.) may be formed oneach tile 2308-2312 before the tiles are joined, or in parallel acrossall of the tiles 2308-2312 after the tiles are joined. The former tendsto increase yield, while the latter tends to improve planarity andregistration of the contacts.

In some cases, the space transformer substrate 1704 may be cut to adesired shape and size after forming electrical contacts thereon. Thishelps to ensure good registration of the electrical contacts with theperiphery of the space transformer substrate 1704. By way of example,the substrate 1704 may be cut to a final shape and size using a waterjet cutting process. Cutting the space transformer substrate 1704 to adesired shape and size may comprise cutting edge recesses in theperiphery of the substrate 1704. Holes for receiving inserts may then bedrilled or otherwise formed in the substrate 1704. The edge recesses mayalso be formed by drilling, or by a process other than the cuttingprocess that is used to cut the substrate 1704 to a desired shape andsize.

The space transformer substrate 1704 may also be cut to a desired shapeand size, and holes and edge recesses may be formed therein, beforeelectrical contacts are formed on one or both surfaces of the substrate1704. In this manner, inserts may be anchored in the holes, and then thesurface in which the inserts are anchored may be planarized, beforeelectrical contacts are formed on the surface.

After anchoring the inserts or other fastener components in/to the spacetransformer substrate 1704, the probe contactor substrate 1706 may becoupled to the space transformer substrate 1704. The two substrates1704, 1706 may be attached in a variety of ways. In some embodiments,the two substrates 1704, 1706 may be attached via adhesive 2122, 2124,2126 or solder. See. e.g., FIG. 21.

In some embodiments, the materials of the probe contactor substrate 1706and space transformer substrate 1704 may be chosen to have similar (ormatched) coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs). However, thematerials of the probe contactor substrate 1706 and the spacetransformer substrate 1704 may differ, and a CTE mismatch of some kindmay exist. For example, the material of the probe contactor substrate1706 may be selected because it has a CTE that is close (or matched) tothat of a semiconductor wafer, but the material of a space transformersubstrate 1704 may be selected because it is well-suited to forming themulti-layer structure of the space transformer substrate 1704. However,because of the different materials used to construct the probe contactorsubstrate 1706 and the space transformer substrate 1704, the CTEs of thesubstrates 1704, 1706 may differ. To account for these different CTEs,it can be desirable to couple the probe contactor substrate 1700 to thespace transformer substrate 1704 such that the two substrates 1704, 1706can expand and contract differently. This can be accommodated, forexample, by: the type of adhesive used; the manner in which the adhesiveis applied; the manner in which the adhesive is cured; and combinationsthereof. In some cases, a compliant adhesive may be chosen with suitablemodulus to account for the thermal mismatch between the spacetransformer substrate and probe contactor substrate. Some suitableoptions for such a compliant adhesive are adhesive polymers such assilicone, elastomers, polyimides, and BCB (benzo-cyclo-butene).Alternately, hard materials, such as solder, may be used, provided theCTE mismatch is sufficiently small. Thermally compliant mechanicalattachments between the space transformer substrate and the probecontactor substrate, such as screws and clips, are also possible. Ifadhesive is used, it can be dispensed in place, screen printed, orapplied by any other means commonly known in the art. B-stage preformmay also be used. If solder is used, it may be screen printed as apaste, applied as a preform, or deposited (evaporated or electroplated)prior to reflow (melting to attach the space transformer substrate andthe probe contactor substrate). If adhesives are used, the elasticmodulus of the adhesive, the dispense pattern and coverage area, and theadhesive bond line thickness can be engineered to absorb any thermalexpansion mismatch between the space transformer substrate and the probecontactor substrate. Without such expansion absorption, the probe headcould have a thermally sensitive curvature. This thermal mismatchcurvature effect must be considered regardless of the attachment methodused.

In some embodiments, the probe contactor substrate 1706 may be bonded tothe space transformer substrate 1704 by one or more adhesive elements2122, 2124, 2126 that cover only part of the coupled/bonded surfaces ofthe substrates 1704, 1706. See, FIG. 21. However, enough adhesive isneeded to ensure that the probe contactor substrate 1706 and spacetransformer substrate 1704 remain substantially planar. This may beaccomplished, in some cases, by applying an epoxy-based thermosettingadhesive to one or both of the probe contactor substrate 1706 and thespace transformer substrate 1704, but covering only a small portion ofthe total surface area between the probe contactor substrate and thespace transformer substrate. The sparse coverage can be achieved by 1)applying the adhesive to the probe contactor substrate 1706 or spacetransformer substrate 1704 in small droplets, and 2) applying a fewdroplets of adhesive per square centimeter. More, fewer or differenttypes of adhesive elements may be used, but the above applicationtypically translates to a few droplets per semiconductor die when aprobe head is used to test a semiconductor wafer. Regardless of how theadhesive is applied, it may be partially cured, and then planarized to auniform height (e.g., by diamond flycutting), before the probe contactorsubstrate 1706 and space transformer substrate 1704 are joined. Ifindividual adhesive elements (e.g., dots or lines) are applied to asurface, the adhesive elements may be protected during the planarizationprocess using a sacrificial material. After positioning the probecontactor substrate 1706 and space transformer substrate 1704 adjacentone another, with the adhesive 2122, 2124, 2126 in contact with bothsubstrates 1704, 1706, the adhesive 2122, 2124, 2126 may be cured byheating the adhesive to a temperature above the intended use temperatureof the probe head 1702, but not much higher, so as to avoid distortingthe planarity of the adhesive 2122, 2124, 2126. The cure temperature andcure time will typically be adhesive and application dependent. In somecases, the adhesive 2122, 2124, 2126 may be chosen and cured such thatit remains compliant at one or more expected operating temperatures of aprobe head 1702 or microelectronic contactor assembly 1700.

Spacers (not shown) may be formed between the probe contactor substrate1706 and the space transformer substrate 1704. These spacers can be usedto accurately control the adhesive bond line or droplet thickness ifadhesive is used to couple the substrates 1704, 1706. By way of example,the spacers may be electroplated on a surface of the space transformersubstrate 1704. The spacers may take the form of MEMS posts, walls orother features, and in some cases may be formed of Nickel. Alternately,the spacers may be formed using thin-film or other processing methods.Once attached to the space transformer substrate 1704, the spacers canbe machined so that their top surfaces lie in a plane. The machining maybe accomplished, for example, by supporting the spacers with asacrificial material, and then planarizing the tips of the spacers usinga diamond flycutting process. The machining operation guarantees thatthe probe contactor substrate 1706 has a planar array of adhesivesurfaces to bond against, thus ensuring that the tips of themicroelectronic contactors 2114 lie in a plane even when the surface ofthe space transformer substrate 1704 is imperfect and not fiat.Alternately, the spacers can be applied to a surface of the probecontactor substrate 1706.

When spacers are used to define the stand-off between the probecontactor substrate 1706 and the space transformer substrate 1704, CTEmismatch between the probe contactor substrate 1706 and the spacetransformer substrate 1704 may be further accommodated by bonding thetwo substrates 1704, 1706 only at or near their centers. The bonding maybe provided by an adhesive, which adhesive may be compliant or rigidwhen cured. Alternately, the bonding may be provided by solder or othermaterials. For purposes of this description, “near their centers” isdefined as the region extending from the center to approximately 20% ofradius, the extent of which is determined by the CTE mismatch of thesubstrates 1704, 1706 and their allowed deformation.

After coupling the probe contactor substrate 1706 to the spacetransformer substrate 1704, the microelectronic contactors 2114 may beelectrically coupled to electrical contacts (e.g., bond pads 2108) onthe space transformer substrate 1704 using various bond interconnects,as disclosed, for example, in the '099 publication. The bondinterconnects may include gold wires 2118, conductive adhesive, solderpaste or other bond interconnects. In some cases, the bond interconnectsmay be coupled to terminals 2116 on the probe contactor substrate 1706,which terminals 2116 are electrically coupled to the microelectroniccontactors 2114.

In alternate probe head embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 25, the probecontactor substrate 1706 may comprise conductive vias 2500 that couplethe microelectronic contactors 2114 (or bond pads 2116 that are coupledto the microelectronic contactors 2114) on one surface 2112 of the probecontactor substrate 1706 to electrical contacts 2502 on the othersurface 2110 of the probe contactor substrate 1706. In theseembodiments, solder bumps 2504 or other three-dimensional electricalcontacts may be provided on a surface 2110 of the probe contactorsubstrate 1706 or the space transformer substrate 1704, and the solderbumps 2504 or other three-dimensional electrical contacts may be used toelectrically connect the microelectronic contactors 2114 to theelectrical interconnect 2104-2108 of the space transformer substrate1704. Reflow of the solder bumps 2504 may also be used as the attachmentmechanism between the probe contactor substrate 1706 and the spacetransformer substrate 1704.

Configurations of exemplary compressible electrical interconnect 1708(FIG. 17) will now be described. Compressible electrical interconnect1708 is often wholly or partly embodied in an electrical “interposer”.Such an interposer may take various forms, but in general may comprise asubstrate having compressible electrical interconnects projecting fromeither or both (and often both) of its surfaces. In some embodiments, aninterposer may comprise a rigid substrate having holes in which springinterconnects are embedded. The spring interconnects may be, forexample, spring interconnects offered by Form Factor, Inc. under thetrademark MICROSPRING® or spring pins offered by Everett Charles Corp.under the trademark POGO®. By way of example, the rigid substrate may bea ceramic, plastic, glass, dielectric coated silicon, or dielectriccoated metal substrate. In other embodiments, an interposer may comprisea rigid substrate having shaped wire bonds extending from each of itssurfaces. In some cases, the shaped wire bonds may have “S” orserpentine shapes. In still other embodiments, an interposer maycomprise a silicone elastomer material 2600 in which an array ofconductive particles or structures 2602, 2604, 2606, such as goldparticles or structures, are embedded. See, FIG. 26. In some cases, twosuch silicone elastomer sheets 2700, 2702 may be separated by a rigidspacer substrate 2704. See, FIG. 27. In yet other embodiments, aninterposer may comprise a silicone elastomer with etched compliantcontactors embedded therein. Embodiments of such an interposer aredescribed in United States Patent Application Publication US2007/0075717 A1 (the '717 publication) assigned to TouchdownTechnologies, Inc., which publication is hereby incorporated byreference for all that it discloses. In some cases, an interposer may beformed of multiple modules, which modules may be individually positionedbetween a probe head 1702 and circuit board 1710, or collectively heldin place by a common supporting substrate. Such an interposer isdisclosed in the '717 publication.

In some cases, some or all of the compressible electrical interconnect1708 may take the form of compressible electrical interconnectprojecting from one or both of the probe head 1702 or the circuit board1710. If the compressible electrical interconnect 1708 is provided onboth the probe head 1702 and the circuit board 1710, a substrate may beprovided between the probe head 1702 and circuit board 1710 for thecompressible electrical interconnect to bear against. It is preferred,however, that the compressible electrical interconnect 1708 be providedby an interposer.

The circuit board 1710 (FIGS. 17-20) may be formed of various materials,but is preferably formed of printed circuit board (PCB) materials. Aplurality of electrical connectors 1808, 1810, shown as paddle boardconnectors in FIG. 18, may be coupled to the circuit board 1710 forrouting signals between the microelectronic contactor assembly 1700 andtest equipment such as an ATE system.

The stiffener 1712 (FIGS. 17-20) may be formed using metal, metal alloysor composites, and in some embodiments may be formed of stainless steel.Other than providing structural support for the microelectroniccontactor assembly 1700, and having receptacles in which differentialscrew components 1800, 1802, 1804, 1806 may be mounted, the preciseconfiguration of the stiffener 1712 is not important for purposes ofthis disclosure.

The perimeters of the stiffener 1712, compressible electricalinterconnect 1708 and substrates 1704, 1706, 1710 shown in FIGS. 2 &17-19 are shown to be circular, or generally circular. However, theirperimeters could alternately be square or rectangular, and in somecases, the perimeter of one component could have a shape that differsfrom the shape of the perimeter of another component.

Microelectronic contactor assemblies often require the placement ofelectronic components in close proximity to their microelectroniccontactors. In many cases, these electronic components take the form ofcapacitors and resistors. It can be desirable to place capacitors inclose proximity to microelectronic contactors for the purposes of, forexample, improving signal integrity, enabling high frequency testing, orreducing crosstalk between signal paths. It can also be desirable toplace resistors in close proximity to microelectronic contactors for thepurposes of for example, enabling resource sharing between differentmicroelectronic contactors (and consequently, resource sharing betweenthe DUTs or DUT contacts to which the microelectronic contactors areconnected). The placement of electronic components in close proximity tomicroelectronic contactors can be particularly important in somesemiconductor wafer test applications, such as in dynamic random accessmemory (DRAM) wafer test applications.

There are many factors which complicate the placement of electroniccomponents in close proximity to microelectronic contactors. Forexample, if electronic components are positioned on the same surface asthe microelectronic contactors, the standoff of the electroniccomponents may require an increase in the standoff of themicroelectronic contactors, thereby increasing their electrical length,reducing their mechanical stability, and generally decreasing theirsignal integrity performance.

FIGS. 28-31 illustrate various exemplary ways of mounting surface-mounttechnology (SMT) electronic components to a multi-substrate probe head,such as a probe head 1702 having a space transformer substrate 1704 anda probe contactor substrate 1706 (FIG. 17). In each of the cases shownin FIGS. 28-31, the SMT electronic component is positioned at leastpartially within a cavity in the probe contactor substrate. For purposesof this description, a “cavity” in a probe contactor substrate isdefined as a hole or surface recess in the probe contactor substrate,which hole or surface recess is bounded at least partly by one or moreinterior edges of the probe contactor substrate, and which hole orsurface recess is also bounded by the plane(s) of one or both surfacesof the probe contactor substrate.

The SMT electronic components may in some cases be “off-the-shelf” SMTelectronic components, which components can be selected for their knownperformance characteristics. Often, SMT electronic components providemuch better performance characteristics than, for example, electroniccomponents that are specially formed (or embedded) within a layer orlayers of a space transformer or probe contactor substrate. Furthermore,the use of SMT electronic components, and the placement of same incavities that are accessible from an exterior surface of a probe head,makes their repair or replacement much easier (especially when comparedto the repair or replacement of embedded components, which embeddedcomponents often cannot be repaired or replaced).

In FIG. 28, a pedestal substrate 2802 is metalized with a pair of bondpads 2804, 2806, such as under bump metallization (UBM) bond pads. Thebond pads should be suitable for electrically coupling an SMT electroniccomponent 2808 and electrical interconnects 2810, 2816 thereto. Theterminals 2812, 2814 of the SMT electronic component 2808 areelectrically coupled (e.g., soldered using a solder reflow technique) tothe pads 2804, 2806, and the pedestal substrate 2802 with attached SMTelectronic component 2808 is mounted to the space transformer substrate1704 through a cavity 2800 in the probe contactor substrate 1706. Thepads 2804, 2806 to which the SMT electronic component 2808 iselectrically connected are then electrically connected to pads orfeatures (collectively referred to as “conductive elements” 2818, 2820)on the surface 2812 of the probe contactor substrate 1706. Theelectrical connections between the pads 2804, 2806 on the pedestalsubstrate 2802 and the pads or features 2818, 2820 on the probecontactor substrate 1706 may be made, for example, via electricalinterconnects 2810, 2816 such as wire bonds, tape automated bonding(TAB) bonds, solder, or conductive epoxy. Of note, there is no need forthe electrical interconnect 2810, 2816 between the SMT electroniccomponent 2808 and the conductive element 2818, 2820 on the surface 2112of the probe contactor substrate 1706 to be routed on or through theprobe contactor or space transformer substrates 1706, 1704.

When the depth of the cavity 2800 is greater than the height of the SMTelectronic component 2808, the pedestal substrate 2802 serves toincrease the standoff of the SMT electronic component 2808 from thesurface 2102 of the space transformer substrate 1704. This enablesplacement of the SMT electronic component 2808 such that its surface2822 that is farthest from the space transformer substrate 1704 is flushwith the microelectronic contactor surface 2112 of the probe contactorsubstrate 1706. In this way, the SMT electronic component 2808 can beplaced very close to the pads or features 2818, 2820 to which it will beelectrically connected, without requiring modification of theheight/standoff of the microelectronic contactors 2114. Alternately, theSMT electronic component 2808 may be positioned such that it rises above(or sits below) the surface 2112 of the probe contactor substrate 1706.However, the SMT electronic component 2808 should not rise so far out ofthe cavity 2800 that it interferes with movement of the microelectroniccontactors 2114.

A variety of techniques are known for mounting an SMT electroniccomponent 2808 to a pair of bond pads 2804, 2806. Such techniques mayuse conductive solder paste, for example, to bond the SMT electroniccomponent 2808 to the bond pads 2804, 2806. In some cases, a pluralityof SMT electronic components may be mounted to their respective bondpads in parallel, on a common substrate. Then, individual ones (or sets)of the SMT electronic components can be singulated (or separated) fromthe common substrate, such that each component or set of components isprovided with a pedestal substrate. By way of example, the pedestalsubstrate may be a ceramic substrate, an insulated metal substrate, or aprinted circuit board substrate.

The pedestal substrate 2802 with attached SMT electronic component 2808may be placed in the cavity 2800 using a standard die-attach,pick-n-place tool. The pedestal substrate 2802 may be mechanicallycoupled to the space transformer substrate 1704 by, for example, anadhesive (e.g., an epoxy-based adhesive) or solder. In some cases, thestandoff or the electronic component 2808 with respect to the spacetransformer substrate 1704 or the probe contactor substrate 1706 may beensured by, for example, holding the pedestal substrate 2802 in adesired position with respect to the space transformer or probecontactor substrate 1704, 1706 as the pedestal substrate 2802 ismechanically coupled to the space transformer substrate 1704 (e.g., asan adhesive is cured), or by holding the electronic component 2808 in adesired position with respect to the pedestal substrate as theelectronic component is electrically and mechanically coupled to thebond pads 2804, 2806.

The SMT electronic component 2808 may be coupled to the pedestalsubstrate 2802 before or after the pedestal substrate 2802 is coupled tothe space transformer substrate 1704.

FIG. 29 illustrates an SMT electronic component 2900 that ismechanically coupled to a pedestal substrate 1704 without the use ofbond pads (or with much smaller bond pads). In some cases, the SMTelectronic component 2900 may be mechanically coupled to the pedestalsubstrate 2902 without bond pads, using an adhesive such as anepoxy-based adhesive.

The pedestal substrate 2902 with attached SMT electronic component 2900is mounted to the space transformer substrate 1704 through a cavity 2800in the probe contactor substrate 1706. The terminals 2904, 2906 of theSMT electronic component 2900 are, then electrically connected to padsor features 2818, 2820 on the surface 2112 of the probe contactorsubstrate 1706. The electrical connections between the terminals 2904,2906 of the SMT electronic component 2900 and the pads or features 2818,2820 on the probe contactor substrate 1706 may be made, for example, viaelectrical interconnects 2810, 2816 such as wire bonds, TAB bonds,solder, or conductive epoxy.

The SMT electronic component 2900 shown in FIG. 29 may be positionedwith respect to the surface 2102 of the space transformer substrate 1704or the surface 2112 of the probe contactor substrate 1706 by, forexample, using any of the techniques that were described in the contextof FIG. 28.

In some cases, a plurality of SMT electronic components may be mountedon a common substrate. Then, individual ones or sets of the SMTelectronic components may be cut from the common substrate, such thatthe electronic component or small sets thereof are carried on pedestalsubstrates.

As suggested by FIGS. 28 & 29, the cavities in which pedestal substratesand SMT electronic components are placed may have “x” and/or “y”dimensions that are substantially greater than the “x” and “y”dimensions of the pedestal substrates and SMT electronic componentsplaced therein. In some cases, microelectronic contactors on a probecontactor substrate may be coupled to bond pads on a space transformersubstrate via electrical interconnects that extend into the same cavityin which a pedestal substrate is placed (see, e.g., the wirebondconnections 2118 shown in FIG. 21; a pedestal substrate and SMTelectronic component could also be positioned within the cavity or slot2120). In the same or other cases, multiple pedestal substrates, orpedestal substrates carrying multiple SMT electronic components, may beplaced in a single cavity. In still other cases, and as shown in FIG.30, the “x” and “y” dimensions of a cavity 3000 may be sized onlyslightly larger than the “x” and “y” dimensions of a pedestal substrateor SMT electronic component 2900 placed therein. Such close tolerancecavities can minimize the surface area that an SMT electronic component2900 monopolizes on a probe contactor substrate 1706.

The placement of an SMT electronic component in a cavity cannot onlyhelp position the component closer to one or more microelectroniccontactors, but it can also provide mechanical protection for thecomponent—especially if the cavity is sized only slightly larger thanthe component.

FIGS. 28 & 29 show pedestal substrates that have been placed inthrough-hole cavities in a probe contactor substrate. As shown in FIG.31, a non-through-hole cavity 3100 may also be formed in a probecontactor substrate 1706, and an SMT electronic component 2900 may beplaced therein. Alternately (not shown), an SMT electronic component maybe placed in a non-through-hole cavity along with a pedestal substrate.

When an SMT electronic component is placed in a cavity that is sizedonly slightly larger than the component, the component can sometimes beelectrically coupled to pads or other features on the probe contactorsubstrate without first mechanically coupling the component to thepedestal substrate, or without mechanically coupling the pedestalsubstrate to the space transformer substrate. The electricalinterconnects that are used to electrically couple the component to thepads or features on the probe contactor substrate may then serve as themeans for mechanically retaining the component in the cavity.

Each of the probe contactor substrate cavities shown in FIGS. 28-31 maybe formed, for example, using methods such as mechanical machining(e.g., mechanical milling), ultrasonic machining (e.g., ultrasonicmilling), laser-assisted machining, laser ablation, or wet-etching.

An SMT electronic component can also be mounted directly to the spacetransformer substrate, as shown, for example, in any of FIGS. 32-34. Insome cases, the component 3200 may be mounted to the space transformersubstrate 1704 such that it is aligned with (or accessible from) acavity 3202 in the probe contactor substrate 1706. See, FIG. 32.Alternately, a component 3300 may be positioned partly or wholly betweenthe probe contactor substrate 1706 and the space transformer substrate1704. See, FIG. 33. By positioning SMT electronic components 3300, 3302between the probe contactor substrate 1706 and the space transformersubstrate 1704, the number or sizes of cavities in the surface 2112 ofthe probe contactor substrate 1706 can sometimes be reduced, therebyproviding less interference with the placement of the microelectroniccontactors 2114 on the probe contactor substrate 1706, or allowing adenser placement of microelectronic contactors 2114 on the probecontactor substrate 1706. If the size of an SMT electronic component3400 (FIG. 34) is such that it does not fit between the probe contactorsubstrate 1706 and the space transformer substrate 1704, a cavity 3402or 3404 may be formed in the surface of the probe contactor substrate1706 that faces the space transformer substrate 1704. In this case, theSMT electronic component 3400 may extend at least partially into thecavity 3404.

In each of FIGS. 32-34, the SMT electronic component 3200, 3300, 3400may be electrically connected to bond pads, traces or other features(collectively referred to as “conductive elements”) on the surface ofthe space transformer substrate. The connections may be made by varioustypes of electrical interconnects, but are often best made using solder(e.g., by means of a solder ram technique).

Of note, all of the above techniques for positioning, mounting andelectrically connecting an SMT electronic component, or a pedestalsubstrate, to another substrate can be performed using low temperatureassembly and interconnect processes.

Any type of SMT electronic component may be positioned in any of thelocations disclosed in FIGS. 28-34, or in other locations. In somecases, such as in semiconductor wafer lest applications, all of theelectronic components that one would like to position electrically closeto a probe head's microelectronic contactors may not fit within cavitiesin a probe contactor substrate (or in individual component cavities), orit may not be feasible or necessary to place all electronic componentson pedestal substrates so as to position them as close as possible tothe pads or features to which they need to be electrically connected. Inthese cases, a combination of component mounting techniques andpositions may be used. For example, and as shown in the probe headcross-section of FIG. 35, it may be desirable to place bypass capacitors3500, 3502 on pedestals 3504, 3506 in cavities 3508, 3510, so that thecapacitors 3500, 3502 are very close to the pads or features 3512, 3514to which they will be connected; but it may be “good enough” to mountisolation resistors 3516, 3518 directly on the space transformersubstrate 1704 (either aligned with a cavity 3520, 3522, or perhapsbetween the probe contactor and space transformer substrates 1704,1706). For example, the isolation resistor 3516 is mounted on thesurface 2102 of the space transformer by means of solder thatelectrically connects the isolation resistor to the bond pads 3524,3526.

The above techniques for positioning, mounting or electricallyconnecting SMT electronic components can provide various advantages,some of which have already been mentioned. For example, by mounting SMTresistors on the space transformer substrate, the SMT resistors can bemounted on the space transformer substrate while microelectroniccontactors are built on or assembled to the probe contactor substrate(i.e., the processes may proceed in parallel). By positioning ormounting all SMT electronic components below the microelectroniccontactor surface of the probe contactor substrate (or at least partlywithin cavities in the probe contactor substrate), thepositioning/mounting of the SMT electronic components does not interferewith the design of microelectronic contactors, and there is nolimitation on the standoff/height of the microelectronic contactors.That is, the standoff/height of the microelectronic contactors can bevery short, and there is no need to increase the standoff/height of themicroelectronic contactors to ensure that their standoff/height isgreater than that of the SMT electronic components. Microelectroniccontactors having short standoffs/heights and overall shorter electricallengths tend to have lower inductance, which improves power deliverythrough the microelectronic contactors.

By providing through-hole-cavities in the probe contactor substrate (ornon-through-hole cavities in the surface of the probe contactorsubstrate that faces the space transformer substrate), or in cases wheresufficient clearance exists between the probe contactor substrate andthe space transformer substrate, SMT electronic components can bemounted to the surface of the space transformer substrate facing theprobe contactor substrate. In this manner, the SMT electronic componentscan be mounted closer to microelectronic contactors, and betterperformance can be achieved, than when the SMT electronic components arerelegated to mounting locations on the opposite surface of the spacetransformer substrate.

Having described various embodiments of a microelectronic contactorassembly, the following claims are presented.

1. A microelectronic contactor assembly, comprising: a probe head havingi) a plurality of microelectronic contactors, ii) a surface having aplurality of holes and a periphery, the periphery having a plurality ofedge recesses, and iii) a plurality of inserts including a firstplurality of inserts anchored in the holes, and a second plurality ofinserts anchored in the edge recesses; a stiffener; a circuit boarddisposed between the probe head and the stiffener; a compressibleelectrical interconnect disposed between the probe head and the circuitboard, the compressible electrical interconnect providing electricalinterconnections between the probe head and the circuit board; and aplurality of adjustable multi-part fasteners, each of the adjustablemulti-part fasteners having i) a shaft coupled to one of the pluralityof inserts, and ii) a differential screw mechanism coupled to thestiffener.
 2. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 1, whereinthe probe head comprises: a space transformer substrate having a firstsurface opposite a second surface and a space transforming electricalinterconnect therebetween, the space transforming electricalinterconnect including electrical contacts on both the first surface andthe second surface of the space transformer substrate, the electricalcontacts on the first surface of the space transformer electricallyconnected to the compressible electrical interconnect; and a probecontactor substrate having a first surface opposite a second surface,the probe contactor substrate coupled to the space transformer substratewith the first surface of the probe contactor substrate facing thesecond surface of the space transformer substrate, wherein the pluralityof microelectronic contactors are i) coupled to the second surface ofthe probe contactor substrate and ii) electrically connected to theelectrical contacts on the second surface of the space transformersubstrate.
 3. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 2, furthercomprising an adhesive that couples the probe contactor substrate to thespace transformer substrate.
 4. The microelectronic contactor assemblyof claim 2, wherein at least one of the space transformer substrate andthe probe contactor substrate comprises at least one ceramic layer. 5.The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 2, wherein the holes andedge recesses are formed in the space transformer substrate.
 6. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 2, wherein the holes andedge recesses are formed in the probe contactor substrate.
 7. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe shafts has a body with differing cross-sections.
 8. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 1, wherein at least one ofthe inserts comprises a threaded receptacle.
 9. The microelectroniccontactor assembly of claim 1, wherein the probe head comprises at leastone substrate, and wherein at least one of the inserts anchored in arespective at least one of the edge recesses comprises a clamp thatgrips opposing surfaces of the probe head.
 10. The microelectroniccontactor assembly of claim 1, further comprising an adhesive between atleast one of the inserts and a respective at least one of the holes. 11.A microelectronic contactor assembly, comprising: a probe head having i)a plurality of microelectronic contactors, ii) a surface having aplurality of holes, iii) a plurality of inserts anchored in the holes,each of the inserts being smaller than the hole in which it is anchored;a stiffener; a circuit board disposed between the probe head and thestiffener; a compressible electrical interconnect disposed between theprobe head and the circuit board, the compressible electricalinterconnect providing electrical interconnections between the probehead and the circuit board; and a plurality of adjustable multi-partfasteners, each of the adjustable multi-part fasteners having a shaftcoupled to one of the plurality of inserts and a differential screwmechanism coupled to the stiffener.
 12. The microelectronic contactorassembly of claim 11, wherein the probe head comprises: a spacetransformer substrate having a first surface opposite a second surfaceand a space transforming electrical interconnect therebetween, the spacetransforming electrical interconnect including electrical contacts onboth the first surface and the second surface of the space transformersubstrate, the electrical contacts on the first surface of the spacetransformer electrically connected to the compressible electricalinterconnect; and a probe contactor substrate having a first surfaceopposite a second surface, the probe contactor substrate coupled to thespace transformer substrate with the first surface of the probecontactor substrate facing the second surface of the space transformersubstrate, wherein the plurality of microelectronic contactors are i)coupled to the second surface of the probe contactor substrate and ii)electrically connected to the electrical contacts on the second surfaceof the space transformer substrate.
 13. The microelectronic contactorassembly of claim 12, further comprising an adhesive that couples theprobe contactor substrate to the space transformer substrate.
 14. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 12, wherein each of thespace transformer substrate and the probe contactor substrate compriseat least one ceramic layer.
 15. The microelectronic contactor assemblyof claim 12, wherein the holes are formed in the space transformersubstrate.
 16. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 12,wherein the holes are formed in the probe contactor substrate.
 17. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one ofthe shafts has a body with differing cross-sections.
 18. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 11, wherein the diameters ofthe shafts are between 2 and 5 millimeters.
 19. The microelectroniccontactor assembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the shafts has acable portion.
 20. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 11,wherein the probe head comprises at least one substrate, and wherein atleast one of the holes is a through-hole in the substrate.
 21. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 11, wherein the probe headcomprises at least one substrate, and wherein at least one of the holesis a blind hole in the substrate.
 22. The microelectronic contactorassembly of claim 11, wherein at least one of the inserts comprises athreaded receptacle.
 23. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim11, further comprising an adhesive between at least one of the insertsand a respective at least one of the holes.
 24. The microelectroniccontactor assembly of claim 11, further comprising an insulator betweenat least one of the inserts and a respective at least one of the holes.25. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 11, wherein thecircuit board is a printed circuit board.
 26. A microelectroniccontactor assembly, comprising: a probe head having i) a plurality ofmicroelectronic contactors, ii) a surface having a plurality ofthrough-holes, iii) a plurality of inserts anchored in the holes, eachof the inserts having a plug and a plug retention mechanism, the plugretention mechanism fastened to the plug, the plug and the plugretention mechanism having respective surfaces that bear againstrespective opposing surfaces of the probe head; a stiffener; a circuitboard disposed between the probe head and the stiffener; a compressibleelectrical interconnect disposed between the probe head and the circuitboard, the compressible electrical interconnect providing electricalinterconnections between the probe head and the circuit board; and aplurality of adjustable multi-part fasteners, each of the adjustablemulti-part fasteners having a shaft coupled to one of the plurality ofinserts and a differential screw mechanism coupled to the stiffener. 27.The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 26, wherein the plugretention mechanism is a lock nut, the lock nut threaded on the plug.28. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 26, wherein theprobe head comprises: a space transformer substrate having a firstsurface opposite a second surface and a space transforming electricalinterconnect therebetween, the space transforming electricalinterconnect including electrical contacts on both the first surface andthe second surface of the space transformer substrate, the electricalcontacts on the first surface of the space transformer electricallyconnected to the compressible electrical interconnect; and a probecontactor substrate having a first surface opposite a second surface,the probe contactor substrate coupled to the space transformer substratewith the first surface of the probe contactor substrate facing thesecond surface of the space transformer substrate, wherein the pluralityof microelectronic contactors are i) coupled to the second surface ofthe probe contactor substrate and ii) electrically connected to theelectrical contacts on the second surface of the space transformersubstrate.
 29. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 28,further comprising an adhesive that couples the probe contactorsubstrate to the space transformer substrate.
 30. The microelectroniccontactor assembly of claim 28, wherein each of the space transformersubstrate and the probe contactor substrate comprise at least oneceramic layer.
 31. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 28,wherein the through-holes are formed in the space transformer substrate.32. The microelectronic contactor assembly of claim 28, wherein thethrough-holes are formed in the probe contactor substrate.
 33. Themicroelectronic contactor assembly of claim 28, wherein at least one ofthe plugs has a tapered exterior surface bearing against a tapered wallof its respective through-hole.
 34. The microelectronic contactorassembly of claim 28, wherein at least one of the plugs comprises i) athreaded stud, and ii) a plate attached perpendicularly to the threadedstud.
 35. A probe head, comprising: a space transformer substrate havinga first surface opposite a second surface and a space transformingelectrical interconnect therebetween, the space transforming electricalinterconnect including electrical contacts on both the first surface andthe second surface of the space transformer substrate; and a probecontactor substrate having a first surface opposite a second surface,the probe contactor substrate coupled to the space transformer substratewith the first surface of the probe contactor substrate facing thesecond surface of the space transformer substrate, the second surface ofthe probe contactor substrate having a plurality of microelectroniccontactors thereon that are electrically connected to the electricalcontacts on the second surface of the space transformer substrate;wherein coupled to the probe contactor substrate are a plurality ofmeans for receiving shafts, and wherein the space transformer substratehas a plurality of access holes aligned with the means for receiving theshafts, the plurality of access holes allowing the shafts to passthrough the space transformer.
 36. The probe head of claim 35, whereinthe means for receiving shafts are surface-mounted threaded receptacles.37. The probe head of claim 35, wherein the probe contactor substratehas a plurality of holes, and wherein the means for receiving the shaftsare threaded receptacles anchored in the holes.
 38. A method ofanchoring a plurality of inserts in a probe head, the method comprising:attaching the plurality of inserts to respective shafts of a fixture,the plurality of inserts abutting mechanical stops on the fixture; usingthe fixture to simultaneously position the plurality of inserts inrespective holes in a probe head; and anchoring the plurality of insertsin the probe head.
 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the plurality ofinserts are attached to the respective shafts by screwing the insertsonto the respective shafts.
 40. The method of claim 38, furthercomprising: prior to attaching the plurality of inserts to therespective shafts, operating a plurality of differential screwmechanisms of the fixture to move the respective shifts and planarizethe mechanical stops.
 41. The method of claim 38, wherein the pluralityof inserts are anchored in the probe head using an adhesive.